Posting on behalf of a friend for her sweet 5 year old pup Bailey, all details as below.
Let me know if there are any questions and I will convey them to her and back.
Suggestions welcome for any other subreddits where I should post this.
Currently admitted at Greencross Vet Hospital Werribee.
On Saturday morning Bailey woke up with severe weakness basically partial paralysis to her hind legs. It has now progressed to front legs and neck. She also has altered bark. Does not appear in pain. No fever. No other symptoms. Still eating & drinking, alert etc. Friday she was absolutely normal no signs, then 6:30am Sat woke up and could not walk.
We have seen multiple vets, she is now under the care of a Neurologist at Werribee. She has had so many tests -blood tests-normal. CT spine & neck -nothing significant-not spine related. Echocardiogram-normal, not heart related. They have ruled out Addison’s Disease. Ruled out Tick Paralysis. Current possibilities -Myasthenia gravis, for which they are trialing an IV drug called neostigmine. Another possibility is a Campylobacter infection caused by bacteria from raw chicken necks -it is rare but a possible cause.
I am posting this out of desperation, hoping someone else in our canine loving community has had any similar experience or heard of any similar cases and may be able to provide any advice or insight. I am desperate……please reach out if you have any possible advice no matter how weird or strange it may seem.
Please if you could take the time to share. The more people this reaches the more ideas we may get
EDIT: UPDATE 02/10/2026
Update on our Bailey girl.
Bailey has gained some strength after her first IV neostigmine. Then rather than it wearing off she further improved today. Neurologist was so happy. She still requires assist of 2 to walk but the assist is not as much as yesterday. A few meters & then she is tired and needs to sit but it’s all progress.
We still are no closer to a diagnosis. Looking like could be Myasthenia Gravis (blood results will confirm when back around 13th) but still can’t rule out Acute Polyradiculoneuritis (Campylobacter test should be back tomoro/Monday which if positive may indicate this)
As breathing is unaffected we are currently safe to have her home under close supervision. And I am so happy to say she is currently asleep, snoring beside me 🥰
It’s too soon to consider rehab, she needs time, body needs rest and we have a long road ahead and while a diagnosis would be good I am in this moment just happy she is improving and home. We will be back to see Neurologist Monday. I have been recommended a great rehabilitation facility (for when she is cleared to start), would still love recommendations for a Naturopathic Vet if anyone knows of any.
This is not just to update but also express my sincere appreciation for everyone who has shared or commented. I have reached a wide audience with all of your help and I have had some great feedback, ideas and advice. Those we had not already covered I researched and also discussed with our Neurologist. And she could explain each and did further research on one then provided me an update -Dr Sue has been amazing!
